HOSPICE NURSE REVEALS the Top Five Regrets People Express on their Deathbed

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.

I learned never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.

“Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.”

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.

Here are the Five Most Common Regrets People Express On Their Deathbed:

#5. I Wish That I Had Let Myself Be Happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to themselves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bronnie Ware is the author of the best-selling memoir, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying – A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing, released worldwide, with translations in 27 languages. She also runs an online personal growth and song-writing course, has released two albums of original songs, and writes a well-loved blog. Bronnie’s newest book, Your Year for Change: 52 Reflections for Regret-Free Living, was released in October 2014. Bronnie’s previous work has included mixing cocktails on a tropical island, management in the banking sector, caring for dying people, teaching song writing to prisoners, and a few things in between. She is now an author, personal growth facilitator, and speaker. Bronnie lives in NSW, Australia. Check out more of Bronnie’s work at bronnieware.com